"If it's not pleasurable, don't do it."
Pleasure matters. Every person has the right to make informed decisions about their body, relationships, and sexual health. True bodily autonomy means having the freedom to choose what feels right for you, with full consent, respect, and without pressure.
#PleasureInclusiveSRHR #MyBodyMyChoice #ConsentMatters #HOVUC
We asked: Do local leaders engage communities enough before making major decisions?
99% said Rarely.
One respondent noted: "Policies are often made without consulting the communities they are meant to benefit."
Article 10 of the Constitution recognizes public participation as a national value. Show up. Speak up. Be heard.
#PublicParticipationKE #YourVoiceMatters #ActiveCitizenship #Article10 #CitizenEngagement
"If it's not pleasurable, don't do it."
Pleasure matters. Every person has the right to make informed decisions about their body, relationships, and sexual health. True bodily autonomy means having the freedom to choose what feels right for you, with full consent, respect, and without pressure.
#PleasureInclusiveSRHR #MyBodyMyChoice #ConsentMatters #HOVUC
Pleasure-inclusive menstrual health recognizes that women and girls deserve more than simply managing their periods—they deserve comfort, choice, body literacy, and the opportunity to feel good in their bodies every day of the month. #MenstrualEquity#PleasurePositive
Today, as the national budget is presented, we are reminded that a budget is more than numbers—it is a reflection of national priorities. Every allocation tells a story about whose needs are being addressed and whose voices are being heard.
Good governance demands transparency, accountability, and citizen participation throughout the budget cycle—not just on budget day.
#BudgetDay #Governance #Accountability #PublicFinance
𝗔 𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴!!
The Ombeyi Youth-Friendly Clinic is here to ensure every young person can access Pleasure-Inclusive non-judgmental, youth-friendly SRHR services in a safe and supportive environment.
Despite weeks without rain in Kisumu, our smart farm continues to thrive because we choose to adapt, watering our crops daily and proving that resilience grows with consistency. No matter how small your farm is, caring for it today can secure tomorrow's harvest.
Climate-smart agriculture isn't optional—it's essential for a sustainable future.
#ClimateJustice #ClimateSmartAgriculture #FoodSecurity #HOVUC #SustainableFarming
Every child deserves the chance to grow, learn & thrive.
That starts with clean water, safe sanitation & good hygiene. As we mark #DAC2026, we reaffirm our commitment to child wellbeing and ensuring every child has the foundation for a healthy, safe and dignified life.
@CRVPF1
Today, HOVUC, alongside Vijana Usawa and Women and Girls with Disability in Action, engaged Kisumu County stakeholders in reviewing the FY2026/27 proposed budget through a disability inclusion lens.
Key concern: While health funding has expanded, youth and disability inclusion in SRHR remains underfunded.
"Most PWDs miss opportunities because information reaches us too late."
We continue to advocate for the operationalization of the Kisumu County PWD Act, 2016 and stronger budget commitments for disability inclusion.
#NothingAboutUsWithoutUs #DisabilityInclusion #InclusiveBudgeting #PWDRights #SRHR
Today, we held the inception meeting for the pilot phase of the Inclusive Entrepreneurship Curriculum that is supported by @ImpactGAFriaca Organization in partnership with @SlovakAid under the IYBA SEED Project
The meeting brought together young entrepreneurs who will participate in piloting the curriculum over the next eight weeks. During the session, we introduced the partner organizations involved in the initiative, shared the objectives of the pilot program, and agreed on a weekly training schedule to guide the learning journey ahead.
This milestone follows the curriculum co-creation process conducted in February at @HOK Kisumu. In May, we validated the curriculum at @nakuruboxke and conducted a Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop at @WiseKenyaOrg Kisumu to equip facilitators with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively deliver the training. The pilot phase now marks another important step toward equipping young entrepreneurs with practical skills, knowledge, and confidence to start and grow sustainable enterprises.
We look forward to an engaging and impactful learning experience with these inspiring young changemakers.
#YouthEntrepreneurship #IYBASEED #SlovakAid #InclusiveEntrepreneurshipTraining #YouthEmpowerment #SkillsDevelopment #TrainingOfTrainers #CoCreation #EnterpriseDevelopment
On 29th May, HOVUC participated in a capacity-strengthening session at Grand Royal Swiss Hotel, Kisumu, hosted by @UKenya19733 United Disabled Persons of Kenya and the @ICJ_Africa International Commission of Jurists. The meeting brought together grassroots Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) to strengthen inclusive community-level advocacy, access to justice, and collaboration in addressing barriers that undermine the rights of persons with disabilities, particularly women and girls.
The session explored visible and invisible disabilities, as well as the charity, medical, social, and rights-based models of disability. A key highlight was contributing to the draft guide, Applying a Human Rights Approach to Combat Gender and Disability Stereotypes in Law and Practice in Kenya, giving HOVUC an opportunity to strengthen its Governance and Accountability thematic area through meaningful policy input.
We believe that promoting accessibility and inclusion is essential to ensuring persons with disabilities can equally access physical spaces, transportation, and opportunities without discrimination. The session also emphasized the importance of using respectful and appropriate language when addressing persons with disabilities, helping to challenge harmful stereotypes and foster inclusion.
No matter how small your farm may be, every effort counts.
At our small smart farm, we take vegetable production seriously. That's why at the first sign of pests, we take prompt action to protect our crops and ensure they grow healthy and productive.
Through these simple but intentional practices, HOVUC is demonstrating that climate justice begins with the small actions we take every day using the resources available to us. By embracing sustainable farming practices, communities can improve food security, build resilience to climate challenges, and create a healthier environment for future generations.
Small farm. Smart actions. Big impact.
#ClimateJustice #SustainableAgriculture #SmartFarming #FoodSecurity #CommunityEmpowerment #HOVUC #ClimateAction #EconomicEmpowerment
Today, HOVUC, in partnership with @WomenFirst, convened a powerful community dialogue in Manyatta on "𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝗺𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗔𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁."
The discussion unpacked harmful beliefs that continue to limit women's participation in entrepreneurship, including perceptions that women entrepreneurs are promiscuous and that their income contributes little to household wellbeing.
Together, community members reflected on:
- Cultural barriers to women's economic participation
- The impact of these norms on families and community development
- Positive cultural values that support women's empowerment
- Practical actions for promoting equal opportunities
One participant shared:
"From now moving forward, I am going to operate on reality and not on harmful myths surrounding women entrepreneurs. I will have open discussions with the women in my life about entrepreneurship."
This powerful commitment reflects the mindset shifts needed to build communities where women can thrive, contribute fully to household welfare, and drive sustainable development.
At HOVUC, we remain committed to advancing women's economic empowerment and fostering a society where everyone has equal opportunities to succeed.
#WomenEconomicEmpowerment #GenderEquality #EconomicJustice #CommunityDialogue #HOVUC #WomenLead
Happy Madaraka Day from HOVUC!
Today, we celebrate the spirit of self-governance, freedom, and the collective responsibility of building a just and prosperous Kenya for all.
As we commemorate this important day, we reaffirm our commitment to empowering women and youth, promoting good governance and accountability, advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights, championing climate justice, and creating opportunities for economic empowerment in our communities.
True Madaraka is realized when every person has the power, voice, and opportunity to participate in decisions that shape their lives and future.
Happy Madaraka Day, Kenya!
#MadarakaDay2026 #HOVUC #EmpoweringCommunities #WomenAndYouthLeadership #GovernanceAndAccountability
On Tuesday and Wednesday this week , HOVUC had the opportunity to participate in the IYBA-SEED Trainer of Trainers (ToT) workshop implemented by Impact Gateway Africa in partnership with Slovak Agency for International Development Cooperation, at @WiseHub, Kisumu.
The training brought together Trainers of Trainers (ToTs) from different Enterprise Support Organisations (ESOs), including @STADA Kenya, @Sustainable Rural Initiatives, @Sabako VTC, @FABLAB WINAM, @ICON Data and Learning Labs (IDL), @HOK, and @WiseHub.
The workshop was designed to help us deeply understand and practically simulate the IYBA-SEED entrepreneurship curriculum before rolling it out to entrepreneurs. Through role plays, group activities, presentations, and live simulations, we strengthened our facilitation, coaching, mentoring, and training skills while learning how to effectively deliver the curriculum in ways that are practical, relatable, and responsive to entrepreneurs’ realities.
The sessions also provided an opportunity to test the curriculum tools, exchange experiences with fellow trainers, and build confidence in delivering high-quality entrepreneurship support to youth and women entrepreneurs.
We are proud to have been part of this engaging learning experience and are excited about the next phase- piloting the entrepreneurship curriculum and empowering entrepreneurs with the skills, knowledge, and tools they need to grow sustainable businesses.
#IYBASEED #TOTWorkshop #EntrepreneurshipSupport #TrainerLeadership
#SlovakAid #Globalgateway#SlovakAgencyforInternationalDevelopmentCooperation#YouthEmpowerment #BusinessDevelopment
On 20th May, HOVUC participated in the 2nd Quarter Adolescent and Young People (AYP) Technical Working Group meeting held at Kisumu County Referral Hospital. The meeting, convened by the Kisumu County Department of Public Health and Sanitation, brought together like-minded stakeholders, including the Office of the County Commissioner and civil society organizations, to advance the health and well-being of adolescents and young people.
The meeting reviewed progress on AYP interventions, identified key gaps, and strengthened coordination among partners. Discussions focused on key issues affecting adolescents and young people, including prevention of teenage pregnancies, HIV prevention and care, access to youth-friendly services, meaningful youth participation in decision-making, and Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) for young people.
The department also shared data updates on teenage pregnancies, HIV prevalence, HPV vaccination, and Gender-Based Violence (GBV). Participating stakeholders provided program updates and explored strategies to strengthen referral systems, community engagement, and accountability in service delivery. It was fun to be introduced to football as one of the ways @tackle africa uses to promote adherence of adolescents and young people to ART care.
At HOVUC, we remain committed to advancing evidence-based, pleasure-inclusive approaches that empower young people with accurate and adequate SRHR information, enabling them to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health
Today, HOVUC with the support of @AmplifyChange joined the rest of the world in commemorating World Menstrual Hygiene Day. As one of the partners of the Nyalenda Period Festival, we stood together with other partners and stakeholders during the celebrations held at Nyalenda Health Centre in Kisumu County.
Guided by this year’s theme, “Together for a Period Friendly World,” we were proud to be part of conversations that align closely with our Pleasure-Inclusive SRHR approach, where menstrual health remains a key priority.
The discussions centered on critical issues affecting menstrual health, including:
- Addressing period poverty
- Community and male involvement in menstrual hygiene
- Environmental sustainability and menstrual waste management
- Policy advocacy for menstrual health
- Legal education and rights awareness
- The role of data, AI, and technology in menstrual hygiene management
- Linking menstrual health to broader social justice issues
These conversations highlighted the urgent need for governments, organizations, and communities to work together in creating a period-friendly world and a more equitable society for all.
As HOVUC, we were particularly honored to contribute to discussions on policy advocacy for menstrual health. We look forward to the Kisumu County policy advocating for menstrual health management.
We appreciate all partners and stakeholders including the Kisumu County Department of Health who made today’s celebration a success.
Happy World Menstrual Hygiene Day!
When we create safe and open spaces for conversations around Sexual Reproductive Health , young people are better equipped with accurate, age-appropriate, and non-judgmental SRHR information.
Normalizing conversations on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights helps young people understand bodily autonomy, consent, relationships, pleasure, and decision-making, empowering them to make informed choices about their bodies and futures.
Access to accurate SRHR information is not just important — it is necessary for building healthier, safer, and more empowered communities.
Missed our Facebook live session? Catch up on the conversation by clicking the link below 👇
https://t.co/qrUgpnbjzu
Last Friday (10th April 2026), we convened an Intergenerational Community Dialogue at Kasongo Community Unit, bringing together 30 participants, including the Chief, teachers, cultural and religious leaders, parents, youth, and healthcare workers, to address critical SRHR issues affecting young people.
The dialogue highlighted a clear shift—young people are maturing faster and require timely, accurate, and pleasure-inclusive SRHR information to make informed decisions. Participants called for the revival of traditional community-based education systems alongside strengthened autonomy-focused SRHR messaging.
We confronted harmful myths, including beliefs that women without children have undergone multiple abortions and that family planning causes infertility, both of which continue to fuel stigma and unintended teenage pregnancies.
Key challenges discussed included period poverty, lack of parental support and psychosocial guidance, limited access to SRHR commodities and accurate information, and weak accountability in defilement cases.
The way forward is clear—strengthen open parent-child conversations, promote rights awareness, and scale community-led solutions, including school-based CSE, faith-based engagement, and youth-friendly clinic forums.
#SRHR #EndTeenPregnancy #CommunityDialogue #YouthEmpowerment #PleasureApproach